JBL Authentics 200 & 500 Wireless Smart Speaker User Manual

Models: JBL Authentics 200, JBL Authentics 500

Brand: JBL by HARMAN

Important Safety Information

Check Mains Voltage Before Operation

The JBL Authentics speaker is designed for use with 100-240 Volt, 50/60 Hz AC power. Connecting to a voltage that does not match the product's design specifications can create a safety and fire hazard and may damage the unit. If you have questions about the required voltage for your model or the mains voltage in your region, please consult your dealer or customer service representative before connecting the unit to a power outlet.

Do Not Use Extension Cords

To avoid safety risks, only use the power cord supplied with the unit. JBL advises against using extension cords with this product. Power cords for electrical appliances should not be placed under carpets, and heavy objects should not be placed on them. Damaged power cords must be replaced immediately by an authorized service center with a cable that meets factory specifications.

Handle the Power Cord Carefully

Always pull the plug from the power outlet by the plug itself, never by the cord. Unplug the unit from the power outlet when it is not used for extended periods.

Do Not Open the Housing

There are no user-serviceable parts inside the product. Opening the unit poses a risk of electric shock. Any modification to the unit will void the warranty. If water accidentally enters the unit, disconnect it from the mains power immediately and contact an authorized service center.

Introduction

Thank you for choosing the JBL Authentics speaker. Please take a few minutes to read this manual, which includes product descriptions and step-by-step instructions for setup and operation.

For optimal use of product features and support, the product software may need to be updated via the internet in the future. Please refer to the Software Update section in this manual to ensure your product has the latest software.

Designs and specifications are subject to change without prior notice. If you have any questions regarding this product, its setup, or its operation, please contact a dealer or customer service representative, or visit our website at: www.jbl.com.

JBL One App

The JBL One App offers the following capabilities:

For more information, see "5.1 Connecting to your Home Network" and "7.1 Playback via your Home Network".

NOTE: *A subscription may be required, which is not included in the JBL One App.

Voice Control

With Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa available simultaneously, you can play your favorite music, control your smart home devices, and much more – hands-free, using only your voice. You can access both assistants simultaneously with this device.

For setup and usage details of your voice assistants, see "6. Voice Assistants".

Package Contents

Carefully unpack the carton and ensure that the following items are included. If any item is damaged or missing, do not use the unit. Contact your dealer or a customer service representative.

Speaker

Power Cable

* The number and type of power cord plug may vary by region.

Product Information

Product Overview

Front Panel and Top

1. [Bluetooth Button]

2. [Playback Controls] (Controls playback during music streaming via JBL One App, Chromecast built-in™, AirPlay, Alexa Multi-Room Music, Alexa Cast, or Bluetooth)

[Rotary Volume Control]

3. [Moment Button]

4. Voice Assistant Status LED

StatusGoogle AssistantAmazon Alexa*
Active and ListeningSolid whiteSolid loop (Cyan and Blue)
ThinkingFast pulsing whiteFast loop (Cyan and Blue)
RespondingFast pulsing whiteAlternating loop (Cyan and Blue)
Microphone OffSolid redSolid red

5. Tone Controls

6. Status Indicator

SystemStatusIndicator
System StartNormal pulsing white
Software Update in ProgressFast pulsing white
Factory Settings RestoredSolid orange
Network ConnectionStatusIndicator
Wi-Fi Setup Mode or Network Not ConnectedSlow pulsing white
Speaker Detected by JBL One AppSolid green
Network ConnectedSolid white
Weak Wi-Fi ConnectionSolid yellow

Voice Assistant Messages:

StatusGoogle AssistantAmazon Alexa*
Timer RingingSlow pulsing white (1H)Cyan and Blue for 1 Hour. Turns off when timer is deactivated.
Alarm RingingSlow pulsing white (1H)Cyan and Blue for 1 Hour. Turns off when alarm is deactivated.
ReminderSolid white for approx. 10 minutesTwice Cyan and Blue, followed by voice announcement.
Notifications in QueueSolid white for approx. 10 minutesSlow pulsing yellow
Do Not Disturb Mode ActivatedN/APulses once (purple)

* To deactivate alarms, timers, or other notifications from Alexa, press the button on the speaker.

7. Microphones

Rear Panel

1. POWER: For connecting to the power supply (with the supplied power cord).

2. USB: Connect a USB storage device here for MP3 playback (US version only).

3. AUX: Connect the unit to the audio output of an external device via a 3.5 mm audio cable.

4. ETHERNET: Connect your home network here via an Ethernet cable.

5. [Microphone Switch] (for Voice Assistants)

Powering On

Connecting to the Power Supply

Automatic Standby Mode

If the speaker remains inactive for more than 10 minutes, it will automatically switch to standby mode.

Automatic Wake-up

In standby mode, the speaker will automatically wake up when:

Connecting

5.1 Connecting to your Home Network

Connect the speaker to your network via Wi-Fi or an Ethernet cable. Registering Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa allows you to request help hands-free with your voice or control your smart home devices. This also activates Chromecast built-in, Alexa Multi-Room Music, and Alexa Cast. Using the JBL One App and supported streaming services (AirPlay and Spotify Connect), you can stream music from smartphones or tablets to the speaker (see "7.1 Playback via your Home Network").

5.1.1 Wi-Fi Connection to Home Network

  1. Connect the speaker to the power supply.
  2. (Slow white pulsing): The speaker enters Wi-Fi setup mode.

NOTES:

5.1.2 Wired Connection to your Home Network via Ethernet Cable (Optional)

  1. Use an Ethernet cable (not included) to connect the speaker to your home network.
  2. Download and launch the JBL One App on your Android or iOS device for music streaming and control.

NOTES:

Setup Steps (JBL One App):

  1. Connect the speaker to power.
  2. Connect your Android™ or iOS device to your Wi-Fi home network. Download the JBL One App.
  3. Launch the JBL One App. Follow the app's instructions to complete the setup.
  4. (Solid green): The speaker has been recognized by the JBL One App.
  5. (Solid white): The speaker is connected to the home network.
  6. You can stream music from the JBL One App or from streaming services activated in the JBL One App (see "7.1 Playback via your Home Network").

Connecting

5.2 Connecting to a Bluetooth Device

Connect the speaker to a Bluetooth device, such as a smartphone, tablet, or laptop, via Bluetooth.

5.2.1 Connecting a Bluetooth Device

  1. Press [Bluetooth Button] to select the Bluetooth source.
  2. (Fast white pulsing): Ready for Bluetooth pairing.
  3. On your Bluetooth device, activate Bluetooth and search for "JBL Authentics 200" or "JBL Authentics 500" within three minutes.
  4. (Solid white): Connection successful.

5.2.2 Connecting the Last Paired Device

The Bluetooth device remains paired when the speaker switches to standby mode. Upon next power-on, the speaker will automatically connect to the last active device when the Bluetooth source is selected.

5.2.3 Connecting to Another Bluetooth Device

  1. Press [Bluetooth Button] when in the Bluetooth source.
  2. The speaker will switch to Bluetooth pairing mode.
  3. Follow Step 2 under "5.2.1 Connecting a Bluetooth Device".

NOTES:

5.3 Connecting to an External Audio Device

Connect the speaker to an external audio device using a 3.5 mm audio cable (sold separately). Connect one end to the AUX jack on the speaker and the other end to the 3.5 mm audio output on the audio device.

NOTE: After connecting the audio cable, ensure that no music is playing via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth to start music playback via the audio cable.

Voice Assistants

6.1 Setting Up Your Voice Assistants

Set up Google Assistant, Alexa, or both using the JBL One App on your Android or iOS device.

NOTE: Ensure your Android or iOS device is on the same Wi-Fi network as your speaker.

6.2 Speaking to Your Voice Assistants

With simultaneous voice assistants, you can ask Google Assistant or Alexa to play music, answer questions, perform daily tasks, and control smart home devices using only your voice.

Setup Steps (JBL One App):

  1. Ensure the speaker is properly connected to your home network and the microphone is turned on.
  2. Simply say "Hey Google" or "Alexa" to start.

Examples:

To interrupt voice assistant usage, turn off the microphone [Microphone Off Symbol]. Turn the microphone back on [Microphone On Symbol] to resume interaction with your voice assistant(s).

NOTES:

Playback

NOTES:

7.1 Playback via your Home Network

Ensure the following beforehand:

7.1.1 Playback via the JBL One App

You can stream audio from activated music services to the speaker via the JBL One App.

  1. On your Android or iOS device:
  2. Launch the JBL One App, browse available *Music Streaming Services, select music, and then start music streaming to the connected speaker.

Access your presets using the [Moment Button]:

  1. In the JBL One App, personalize the [Moment Button] function.
  2. On the speaker, press [Moment Button] to access your personalized playlist and speaker settings.

7.1.2 Playback with Chromecast built-in

With Chromecast built-in, audio can be streamed from an Android or iOS device to the speaker.

  1. On your Android or iOS device:
  2. Launch the JBL One App and verify that Chromecast built-in is enabled.
  3. Play music in a Chromecast-enabled app, tap the Cast icon [Cast Icon], and select the connected speaker.

Switch to other sources to stop music playback.

NOTE: *A subscription may be required, which is not included in the JBL One App.

7.1.3 Playback via AirPlay

Audio can be streamed from an iOS device to the speaker via AirPlay.

  1. On your iOS device:
  2. Swipe down from the top-right corner to open the Control Center on an iOS device. Tap [AirPlay Icon] to select the connected speaker, and then start audio streaming from an app.

Switch to other sources to stop music playback.

7.1.4 Playback via Alexa Cast

When the speaker is connected to Alexa Cast, you can stream music from the Amazon Music Library to the speaker.

  1. On your Android or iOS device:
  2. Launch the JBL One App and verify that Amazon Alexa is enabled.
  3. Launch the Amazon Alexa app to start music playback.
  4. Open the Amazon Music app to access the Amazon Music Library.
  5. Ensure you start music playback from the same Alexa account that you enabled in the JBL One App. For more details, see the Amazon Alexa app.

7.1.5 Play Dolby Atmos Music

The Authentics 500 supports Dolby Atmos sound effects. When playing Dolby Audio content during Wi-Fi streaming, the Dolby Atmos effect is automatically applied to provide a truly immersive 3D surround sound experience.

NOTES:

7.1.6 Multi-Room Playback

With Multi-Room playback, you can stream music from your Android or iOS device to multiple Chromecast-enabled / AirPlay / Alexa speakers.

Chromecast built-in

  1. Set up Google Assistant with Chromecast built-in in the Google Home app. Using the app, connect multiple Chromecast-enabled speakers to the same network, assign them to rooms, and create groups if needed.
  2. Start a Chromecast-enabled app on your smartphone or tablet.
  3. Play music. Tap [Cast Icon] and select the grouped speakers.

NOTES:

AirPlay

  1. Open the Control Center on an iOS device.
  2. Tap [AirPlay Icon] to select multiple connected speakers if needed.
  3. Start music streaming from an app.

Alexa MRM: MultiRoom Music

  1. Verify that you have enabled Amazon Alexa on the speaker via the JBL One App.
  2. Create a Multi-Room Music group for the speaker via the Amazon Alexa app. For more information, see the Amazon Alexa app.

NOTE: To create a multi-room music group in the Amazon Alexa app, first ensure all devices are connected to the same home network and that you are using the same Alexa login account. For more details, see the Amazon Alexa app.

Playback

7.2 Playback from Bluetooth Source

Audio can be played from a Bluetooth device on the speaker via Bluetooth.

  1. Verify that the speaker is correctly connected to the Bluetooth device (see "5.2 Connecting to a Bluetooth Device").
  2. Press [Bluetooth Button] to select the Bluetooth source.
  3. Start audio playback on the Bluetooth device.
  4. Alternatively, you can press the [Playback Control Button] on the speaker to control playback.

NOTE: Music streaming via Bluetooth will be interrupted when music streaming via Wi-Fi is started.

7.3 Music Playback Control

Music playback can be controlled while streaming music via the JBL One App, Chromecast built-in, Alexa Multi-Room Music, Alexa Cast, AirPlay, or Bluetooth.

NOTE: Music control is not available in AUX mode.

7.4 Playback from AUX Source

You can listen to music playback from an external audio device through the speaker using a 3.5 mm audio cable.

  1. Verify that the speaker is correctly connected to the external audio device (see "5.3 Connecting to an External Audio Device").
  2. Ensure that music streaming via Bluetooth and your home network is paused on the speaker.
  3. Start audio playback on the external audio device.
  4. Adjust the volume on the external audio device or on the speaker.

NOTE: If no sound is output from the external audio device, try disconnecting and reconnecting the audio cable.

Settings

8.1 Sound Settings

8.1.1 Tone Controls

Using the JBL One App or the controls on the speaker, you can adjust the Equalizer (EQ) settings to customize the sound to your preference.

Standard EQ Setting

EQStandard LevelLED Ring
TREBLE (HIGH)6[LED Ring Indicator]
BASS

NOTE: Sound settings in the app and on the speaker are synchronized.

8.1.2 Self-Optimization

For the optimal sound experience in your individual listening environment, the speaker automatically begins self-optimization as soon as you connect it to the power supply and start music playback. Self-optimization takes three minutes. If music playback stops before self-optimization is complete, it will resume once music playback is started again.

NOTE: Automatic self-optimization will be disabled if the microphone is turned off.

8.2 Software Upgrade

When the speaker is connected to the internet via your home network, the speaker's software will automatically update to the latest version.

8.3 Restore Factory Settings

Press and hold the [Volume Up Button] and [Volume Down Button] on the speaker for longer than 10 seconds to restore the factory-programmed default settings. Once the factory settings are restored, the speaker will automatically turn off and restart.

Product Specifications

Authentics 200

General Specification

Audio Specification

USB Specifications

Wireless Connection Specification

Dimensions

Authentics 500

General Specification

Audio Specification

USB Specifications

Wireless Connection Specification

Dimensions

Troubleshooting

Never attempt to repair the product yourself. If problems occur during the use of this device, check the following points before requesting service.

For more troubleshooting tips, visit the support page at https://product.jbl.com/AUTHENTICS-200.html or https://product.jbl.com/AUTHENTICS-500.html.

System

When the unit does not turn on.

The speaker does not respond to button presses.

Bluetooth

A device cannot connect to the speaker.

Poor audio quality from a connected Bluetooth device

Wi-Fi

Wi-Fi connection failed.

Voice Assistants

No response to voice commands

Playback

AirPlay cannot find the speaker as an AirPlay speaker for music streaming.

Music playback is not smooth when the sound source switches from Bluetooth to Chromecast built-in, AirPlay, or Alexa.

The speaker appears "Offline" in the Amazon Alexa app or problems occur with Alexa MRM playback.

Audio-In source music playback stops when the sound source switches from Bluetooth to Audio-In.

No Dolby Atmos treble effects

Trademarks

The Bluetooth® word mark and logos are registered trademarks owned by Bluetooth SIG, Inc. and any use of such marks by HARMAN International Industries, Incorporated is under license. Other trademarks and trade names are those of their respective owners.

Wi-Fi CERTIFIED 6™ and the Wi-Fi CERTIFIED 6™ Logo are trademarks of Wi-Fi Alliance®.

Google, Android, Google Play, and Chromecast built-in are trademarks of Google LLC. Google Assistant is not available in certain languages and countries. Availability and performance of certain features, services, and applications are device and network dependent and may not be available in all areas.

Amazon, Alexa and all related marks are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates. Alexa is not available in all languages and countries.

Use of the "Works with Apple" badge means that an accessory has been designed to work specifically with the technology identified in the badge and has been certified by the developer to meet Apple performance standards. Apple, and AirPlay are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. To control this AirPlay 2-enabled speaker, iOS 13.4 or later is required.

Open-Source License Notice

This product contains Open-Source Software under GPL License. The source code and corresponding version notes are also available at https://harman-webpages.s3.amazonaws.com/Harman_One_OS_A_package_license_list.htm.

Please contact us at:

Harman Deutschland GmbH
HATT: Open Source, Gregor Krapf-Günther, Parkring 3
85748 Garching bei München, Germany

or OpenSourceSupport@Harman.com, if you have further questions regarding the product's open-source software.

Spotify: Use your phone, tablet, or computer as a remote control for Spotify. Go to spotify.com/connect to learn how. The Spotify Software is subject to third-party licenses found here: https://www.spotify.com/connect/third-party-licenses.

Dolby Atmos: Dolby, Dolby Atmos, and the double-D symbol are registered trademarks of Dolby Laboratories Licensing Corporation. Manufactured under license from Dolby Laboratories. Confidential unpublished works. Copyright © 2012-2021 Dolby Laboratories. All rights reserved.

Roon Ready: Being Roon Ready means that HARMAN uses Roon streaming technology for an incredible user interface, simple setup, rock-solid daily reliability, and the highest levels of audio performance, without compromise.

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HA JBL Authentics 200 & 500 OM V8 DE

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